Ceplikas joins WinnCompanies as general counsel

Boston, MA WinnCompanies, an owner, developer and manager of multifamily housing, has appointed Ethan Ceplikas as general counsel, succeeding Dan Willert, who is retiring later this year after serving 13 years in the position.

Ceplikas joins WinnCompanies from The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB), where he worked for nine years, most recently as general counsel and vice president.

“Dan has been instrumental in helping us smoothly navigate a period that featured increasingly complex regulatory demands imposed on our development, property management and military housing businesses,” said WinnCompanies CEO Gilbert Winn. “We are grateful he has agreed to remain with us into mid-2024 to help Ethan transition into this demanding role. His professionalism, decency and wise counsel will be missed.”

Willert has served as the company’s general counsel and chief ethics officer since 2010 and has been responsible for the company’s legal matters, including those involving property acquisition, development and management as well as a wide range of corporate and regulatory compliance issues. Prior to joining WinnCompanies, Willert practiced as a real estate and corporate lawyer for many years in law firms in Boston and San Francisco. He holds his juris doctor degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a bachelor of arts degree from Indiana University.

Prior to joining TCB, Ceplikas practiced in the real estate group at Nixon Peabody LLP and was a member of the legal department of nonprofit, Preservation of Affordable Housing. Ceplikas received his juris doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his bachelor’s degree in business management from Babson College.

“I am excited to join WinnCompanies and to continue my legal career at a company not only known for its excellence in affordable housing and real estate development in the Boston area, where I grew up, but across the country as well,” Ceplikas said. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help address challenges in the housing market and to also find unique and creative ways to support our residents and clients.”